Cell-Tel Government Systems, Inc. WHITE PAPER. Deployable Tactical Communications

Transcription

1 Cell-Tel Government Systems, Inc. Deployable Tactical Communications 1

2 Cell-Tel White Paper Author: Pete Fekke Phone: Web Site: Deployable Tactical Communications System Overview: Cell-Tel Government Systems, Inc. (Cell-Tel) understands the mission of the Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) deployed elements. Cell-Tel integrates deployable communications packages (i.e., systems and networks) designed to meet the needs of rapidly deployed disaster relief forces. These systems and networks provide stand-alone autonomous secure, non-secure wireless voice and data communications platforms. The Tactical Communications Unit shown includes the MilWave GSM Cellular Telephone Network with its own compact switching center, base station controller and transceiver system. It is capable of supporting 140 subscribers at a 10 to 1 ratio. The GSM cellular handsets with NSA-approved Type 1 2

3 secure sleeves are supported by the unit s Data Protocol Management System (DPMS) providing for both local and remote connectivity to Secure Data Terminal Equipment (STE/STE-R) and General Dynamics Sectera Wireline Terminal Equipment (Omega). This Tactical Communications Unit also provides a seamless connection to PSTN, DSN and TRI-TAC networks via the integrated REDCOM SLICE tactical switch. This is a certified, self-contained switching system that has the features required most by tactical users such as MLPP (Multi-Level Precedence Preemption) and advanced conferencing. The SLICE was designed to support emergency response activities associated with police, fire, air traffic control, emergency/terrorist incidents, and natural disasters. The rear panel shows the echo canceller that is provided. This element essentially eliminates echo when voice calls are made between a cellular and land-line switches. It also provides other functions to insure top quality communications operation in the unit. The Tactical Communications Unit shown is only one example of deployable communications packages that can be made available. The Theater Deployable Communications equipment supplied to the U. S. Air Force is another this example included Mil-Spec testing of the completed system. In addition, several other important options are available. For example, interoperable communications can be expanded by the use of Cell-Tel s Emergency Deployable Interoperability Communications Systems (EDICS) that includes a tactical radio conference bridge and network management system along with VHF/UHF, 800 MHz Motorola Type 1 and Type 2 Trunking radios, PRC-138 SINCGARS, and PRC-113 HAVEQUICK. With the addition of an Operations and Maintenance Center (OMC), an inherent feature of the MilWave Network is global broadcast alert messaging. This service provides immediate text messaging to individuals, to groups or to all network subscribers. (Note that text alert messages will be received even if the user is on the phone.) Requirement: Enhancement of a robust rapid response communications system is needed to support deployed government responders. Existing communication assets need to be augmented with additional resources that have been deployed quickly to the objective area. Ideally this system would include a government exclusive GSM secure/non-secure cellular network with voice and data connectivity to a tactical network. 3

4 The system should be compatible with the existing communications infrastructure and should include the capability to interoperate with other state and local responders. Product Advantages: Cell-Tel MilWave Systems offer several advantages. They can be set up and operational in less than one hour. There are no operational limitations due to fixed infrastructure requirements. They are tied in to the existing tactical system telephone infrastructure to unite the wireless system to the existing landline system. They are modular to provide further coverage through the placement of additional components such as the Base Transceiver Station (BTS). The design of the MilWave System offers system capacity and coverage expandability and flexibility to support any wireless communications scenario. Cell-Tel MilWave components can be easily expanded to support increasing operational requirements. Cell-Tel s components use GSM digital 2.5 and 3G digital technology that provide advanced features for voice and data transmission. Since the MilWave System operates in the 1800MHz-frequency range, it operates within government-controlled spectrum so there is no need for coordination with or the expense of dealing with commercial carriers within CONUS. The system will also operate in the 900 and 1900MHz spectrum with minor component changes. Hence, the system has frequency agility and can be deployed OCONUS to meet any wireless communications requirements. 4

5 Network Diagram The figure shows a generic Secure MilWave Network. In each application, the actual units supplied will be the required elements of this network to meet the user s needs. 5

6 Personnel Qualifications and Experience: Cell-Tel is a woman-owned veteran-owned small business located in Jacksonville, Florida, specializing in providing customers with complete, advanced, state-of-the-art wireless communications solutions. Established in 1989, Cell-Tel has an extensive background in wireless telephony, a vast knowledge of wireless and wireline communications equipment and ancillary parts, maintains trained technicians on its staff, and is currently providing various integration and technical support services for this requirement and similar wireless communications systems to both military and federal customers. Our personnel include: Staff Program Mgmnt Site Support Systems Integration MX & Repair Application Design Deployed Support Clearance (A=Active P=Prior) Elizabeth Wilson X X X X X X A Bob Whitkop X X X X X Michael Starling X X A Colin Mead X X X X A Sandra Shines X X X A Ben Mueller X X X A Bob Stamblesky X X X X X A Ozzie Panjevic X X X Cell-Tel s past experience covers a broad spectrum of wireless communications. This includes support for tactical radios, two-way LMRs, HF radios, Satellite telephone systems, and terrestrial PBXs. In all cases, this has included deployment, programming and operations of the equipment. In addition, Cell-Tel has extensive experience developing mobile and deployable systems for disaster response. Other experience in the wireless arena includes: Current FEMA support in Katrina recovery effort in New Orleans, as well a support for Tsunami relief, Hurricane Andrew recovery, Oklahoma bombing, and in Washington DC after 9/11 Build out of deployable wireless networks for U.S. Army/CECOM Build out of mobile cellular systems for U.S. Army and Lockheed Martin 6

7 Design and build-out of several Emergency Deployable Interoperable Communications Systems (EDICS) for State of Florida s Emergency Response Team Installation of cellular system for United Nations forces in Somalia Installation of cellular system on Midway Island for U.S. Department of Interior Design and production of Deployable Communications Systems (DCS) for U.S. Army/SBCCOM Design and build out of White House Communications Agency (WHCA) Limousine Cellular System Installation of GSM Test Bed System for Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Installation and operation of GSM Test Bed for Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Observations and Lessons Learned: Cell-Tel has learned from experience supporting the several recovery efforts described above. That is, the company has hands-on experience, in the field, providing mobile, tactical communications during recovery activities. The lessons learned from those efforts are applied to the design and construction of Cell-Tel s products. These products are developed from the stand-point of: Come ready, be prepared for anything and never take things for granted Use Existing Infrastructure / Resources Available Never count on area personnel they may be evacuated Bring Power Diesel Have a Frequency Plan to support Interoperability; understand Bandwidth requirements beforehand Contract Instruments: The ability for a small company like Cell-Tel to provide continued support depends on getting contract commitments from the government. Cell-Tel has a current purchase order from FEMA for the Katrina recovery effort. Cell-Tel has other existing potential contract vehicles with the GSA and a BPA with the U. S. Army at NETCOM. 7

8 FEMA PO: HSFE06-05-P-6409 with reference numbers: o o TN005/84N2005T TN00479N2005T GSA: GS-35F-0405T BPA: NETCOM - # DABL03-03-A Summary: In this white paper, Cell-Tel describes a Tactical Communications Unit consisting of a secure MilWave GSM Cellular Telephone Network, a REDCOM SLICE PBX, and ancillary equipment to include the DPMF element and echo canceller. The latter two elements help provide for top quality, secure tactical communications. This unit is part of a total capability that is derived from the Secure MilWave Network. Options that may be added provide for flexible and expanded operations. The ability to include options for interoperable communications across the spectrum of communications elements is absolutely necessary to support the current and foreseeable needs of state and local responders. Cell-Tel, based on experience supporting tactical systems development as well as several recovery efforts, provides top quality communications systems. These systems are developed to meet the user s requirements in the field. Cell-Tel has demonstrated the necessity to: Be prepared Be innovative Bring a functioning communications network into the area of operation with all of the systems and support that will be needed in useable spectrum 8